Thanks to all who made Sweet Sounds Downtown Successful

The 22nd Annual Sweet Sounds Downtown Jazz Festival sponsored by Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC) was held each Tuesday evening in July and August. Thousands of people came downtown and enjoyed the performances, despite the unpredictable rainy season with two of the evenings being cancelled and two rain nights. Restaurants and dessert establishments particularly reported great crowds and sales. 37 different bands playing a variety of music were chosen by the DWC jazz committee in February. DWC staff Sherry Cronin, Executive Director, Beth Brenner, Asst. Executive Director, and Jamie Lemberg, Digital & Social Marketing organized and promoted the festival. This year, the DWC piloted a roving brass band, Bon Temps Brass Band, which strolled up and down E. Broad Street on July 18 entertaining the crowds. The new Town of Westfield Media Council provided weekly video clips to assist with promoting the events on social media.

Special thanks to all the brilliant and talented musicians who entertained. Thanks to Turning Point Restaurant, The First Baptist Church, and The Town of Westfield who graciously provided the electricity and space for the performances. Thanks to the Town of Westfield Department of Public Works who provided the chairs and logistical support and to the Westfield Police Department for their assistance in providing generators, lights, and Quimby Street closings for two evenings. Thanks to the summer intern Chris Prasek, and other seasonal interns who provided assistance each evening. Without the financial support of the downtown property owners who fund the Downtown Westfield Corporation, this very popular event would not be possible each year. Most importantly, thanks to the public who came to enjoy the music and support the arts and Downtown Westfield. The DWC looks forward to another successful season again next summer.

Photo caption: The Jazz Lobsters, one of 37 bands throughout the 2018 Sweet Sounds Downtown Jazz Festival sponsored by Downtown Westfield Corporation, entertained a large crowd of spectators, diners and dancers on Quimby Street for the finale evening on August 28, 2018.